Lobo Soccer/Track Complex

The University of New Mexico men's and women's soccer programs begin their 16th season at the UNM Soccer Complex. The complex received $200,000 worth of renovations over the summer of 2001, including 1,300 cubic yards of brand new Bermuda Grass turf. The lush playing surface was installed over a special five-inch layer of tilled earth consisting of 75 percent sand and 25 percent soil. In addition, the crown of the field was substantially reduced and six new irrigation drains were installed.

In the second phase of construction, the men's and women's soccer locker rooms underwent dramatic renovations, including new lockers, carpeting and floor tiling, upgraded shower facilities and a redesigned lighting and ceiling structure. The new and improved locker rooms now provide both visiting and home teams with professional style accommodations.

The Lobo Soccer Complex has a seating capacity of 5,000. Located 5,335 feet above sea level, the complex serves as the home for Lobo Track & Field in the spring.

"Our facilities here at UNM compare to any in the country. The field is outstanding, the weight room and training room are both excellent and they're all supported by a top-notch staff. The players love training and competing in this environment." - New Mexico Head Coach Kit Vela

The Lobo men's soccer team has put up some impressive numbers under head coach Jeremy Fishbein. In his nine seasons at the helm of Lobo soccer, UNM has amassed a 66-13-8 record at the UNM Soccer Complex. The Lobo men have an all-time record of 94-36-10 at the UNM Soccer Complex.

The Lobo men have hosted five NCAA Tournament games at the UNM Soccer Complex and are 3-1-1 in those matches. UNM defeated Portland, 4-1, in the second round of the 2004 NCAA Tournament. In 2005, New Mexico downed Wisconsin-Milwuakee on penalty-kicks in the second round. The Lobos also defeated Cal State Northridge in overtime, 1-0 in the third round. A sold out crowd of 5,600 saw the Lobos defeat Cal, 1-0 in overtime in the quarterfinals, sending UNM to its first ever College Cup. The most recent game was in 2009, when the Lobos lost to the University of Portland 2-1 in overtime. An average of 3,914 fans have attened the Lobos' five NCAA Tournament home games.

Adjacent to the UNM Soccer Complex and L.F. "Tow" Diehm facility is spacious Robertson Field, which serves as the training center for the men's and women's soccer teams.

The lush Bermuda grass playing surface at the UNM Soccer Complex is carefully cut and treated before each game by UNM's sports turf specialists. The crew then applies the trademark cherry-red paw, welcoming fans and players to Lobo Country.

Both the UNM Men's and Women's Programs ranked in the top-10 in national attendance consistently. In 2005, the Lobo men led the nation in attendance during their run to the College Cup, averaging at the time a new NCAA record of 3,629 fans per game. This past season in 2010, the lobo men finished seventh in attendance, and the women's team finished fourth as they qualified for the NCAA postseason for the first time in school history.

2010 NCAA Men's Soccer Attendance Leaders

2010 NCAA Women's Soccer Attendance Leaders

Great Friends of UNM Track Stadium

Located 5,335 feet above sea level, the Great Friends of University of New Mexico Track Stadium has been the home of the Lobo track and field program since 1985. The stadium is a multifunction, 5,000-seat facility that was renovated in the summer of 1996 to include a soccer field. The track is constructed of an all-weather, encapsulated surface called Versaturf.

Since taking control of the track and field program in 2007, Joe Franklin has continued the tradition of excellence in UNM track and field, with multiple All-Americans for the men and women. Each year, the Lobos welcome some of the region's top teams for the annual Don Kirby Memorial Invitational. New Mexico has hosted the 2003 Mountain West Conference Outdoor Championships and the 1996 Western Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships. The venue has also been the longtime home of the elite Great Southwest Track & Field Classic, one of the nation's premier postseason high school invitationals.

The 400-meter track is composed of eight racing lanes and includes a steeplechase water-jump. To bolster performances, sprints can be run in either direction to negate the effects of unfavorable weather. The two long jump/triple jump runways, two pole vault runways and a high jump apron are also of Versaturf construction. They are located behind the goals of the soccer field, allowing competitors to compete in an east or west direction. The improvements to the facility also include the installation of lights, giving UNM the opportunity to host night meets. Renovations in 2005 helped to expand the field event areas and add seating. A new surface to the track was installed prior to the 2007 season, pushing UNM Track Stadium to one of the finest venues in the West.

The opportunity to train and compete year-round in Albuquerque, gives Lobo athletes an extra advantage. With its mile-high elevation, more than 300 days of sunshine a year and legendary reputation, Albuquerque is a favorite training location for some of the world's top track and field athletes. The world class training environment and facilities at UNM provide an opportunity for exceptional running and field event performances. The close proximity to the Tow Diehm facility for strength and conditioning, athletic training and rehab facilities makes UNM's track complex one of the most self inclusive in the nation.

Directions

Located just east of University Stadium, the UNM Track-Soccer Complex can be easily accessed by exiting off I-25, just south of the Big-I, at Avenida Cesar Chavez. Head east on Avenida Cesar Chavez. After crossing University Boulevard, the UNM track-soccer complex is located on the right, just past University Stadium.

Lobos Athletics

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